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A VERY PERSONAL THING

An experiential journey into the essence of trail running

“I can’t go on. I’ll go on” wrote Nobel laureate Samuel Beckett, capturing the stream of consciousness of every runner. In the mountains, this philosophical dichotomy transforms into an ongoing process of challenge, self-discovery, and understanding. Trail after trail, Beckett’s words become synonymous with natural rebellion, balancing ecstasy, and sometimes even a necessary epiphany, as experienced by the multidimensional runner Marco Del Vecchio.

“I was a left-back, and it wasn’t until the pandemic that I discovered running. The relationship evolved gradually: the first runs, the training, my debut in a half marathon, then the Milan Marathon… I became hooked, and step by step, I started increasing both distance and elevation.

I was already regularly heading to the mountains. I’d go hiking, but then I began to observe and study the trail running world that filled those spaces: its culture, its network of events… I bought my first pair of shoes and joined the crazy people I saw going up and down the trails.

Races quickly became goals—key milestones that kept me motivated, always with a clear purpose ahead. Last year, I ran my first ultra: as I tackled 4,000 meters of elevation gain in the Dolomites, I kept telling myself that I’d never imagined I could be capable of something like that in my life.

The mountains are incredibly stimulating… What I love about trail running is its complexity: you get lost, only to find your way again; you take a wrong turn, or by sheer chance, reconnect to a previous trail. You feel the adrenaline. What draws me in the most, though, are the people—the runners—the exhaustion and intense emotions they experience as they cover incredible distances.

Until recently, I worked in fashion, and spending weekends in the mountains allowed me to completely disconnect. Running brought me peace, tranquility… the serenity of my own rhythm.

What really fascinates me is the constant connection with myself—listening to my body, to my pains. It’s a very personal thing. And it’s become increasingly essential for maintaining my balance. With all the traveling I do, I’ve even developed the habit of bringing my shoes along and going for early morning runs to explore new cities.

The epiphany of running was significant on many levels. As soon as I realized that the ‘institutional’ fashion world no longer provided the right kind of inspiration, I decided to walk away and embrace freelancing.

Now, I’m dedicating my time to training, as well as to my professional and creative evolution in the outdoor and sports world. Only running could have given me this jolt… Today, this discipline symbolizes freedom for me—freedom in every sense.”

This special editorial focus features the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2

Credits

Scarpa


JAPAN WITH NO PLAN

Skiing and snowboarding can be the bridge to a journey into the unknown, the wonderful Japan

Four friends, a last-minute flight to Tokyo. No plans, only the pursuit of new, unexpected, lyrical snow. It’s the magic of sharing a common passion, one that resonates with exploration: skiing and snowboarding. Xenia Alexandra’s visual gallery is a travel diary, a journey with shades as mystical as they are snowy, in the Land of the Rising Sun. Here is ‘Japan With No Plan.’

What was it like to share the experience of discovery and surprise in a world where everything is expected to be planned? And what sparked your trip to Japan?

“I usually work on advertising shoots, and the process is very regimented. Everything runs on a tight schedule—10 minutes for one shot, five for another. So in my personal life, I wanted to do the opposite. I dreamt about a trip with no plans, no expectations, where we could just go and see where the journey takes us. When it happened, it felt incredibly liberating to not have any set itinerary. Without expectations, you’re free to adapt to whatever happens along the way. For instance, one day our chain broke, and we had to figure out how to either replace it or rig something together to keep moving forward. That kind of problem-solving becomes part of the adventure. It’s all about embracing the unexpected and rolling with the punches.

Talking about the origins of ‘Japan with no plan’, one of our group members, Ty, had been to Japan three times before, but only to the Niseko area and Sapporo. He’d always dreamed of returning to chase the Japanese snow. Also Megan, another snowboarder in our group, had been 4 times before in Japan. We originally thought of a ski trip to Silverton, Colorado, or possibly Alaska. Then, Jenn, another friend of ours, suggested going to Japan. We immediately got on board. Renting an RV there was part of Ty’s dream trip, so it felt like the perfect plan.

We didn’t overthink it—it was that simple. We booked the flights maybe two weeks in advance, and by some miracle, we found an RV rental. We were worried it would be difficult to find one since RV culture in Japan isn’t as widespread as in the U.S. Most people plan trips to Japan months or even a year in advance, so we reached out to about four or five rental companies. Most of them were already fully booked, but had the green light from Japan Campers. We were ecstatic—it was happening for real!’”

What feelings, images, and thoughts did this experience leave you with?

“Almost every ski resort in the US and even in Canada is now owned by just two large corporations. As a result, skiing and snowboarding have become dominated by these big companies, forcing people to buy expensive, specific passes. It’s become elitist, and on top of that, you’re often stuck in long lift lines. Skiing has been overtaken by corporate greed, and everything is becoming overcrowded and overpriced.

Contrast that with Japan, where there are over 500 ski resorts, each independently owned. It gives off a small, local vibe that reminds me of what skiing used to be like—and should still be. Every resort in Japan retains its own unique charm and character, with lift tickets sometimes as low as US$20. There are no long lift lines, just a quiet, magical atmosphere. That’s how skiing should feel: you, the mountain, and nature, forming a connection without the stress of waiting in line or dealing with crowds. Even in more popular places like Hakuba, which sees a lot of Australian and American tourists, it still felt so much better than the crowded resorts back home. It was just such a perfect, charming way to experience skiing, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had the chance to experience it.

Aside from the skiing and snowboarding shots, everything else was captured with a point-and-shoot, which was a blast. It made it easy to stay low-key and document things as they happened, without the hassle of pulling out a big camera. It tied into the whole vibe of having no plan and embracing more freedom. With the point-and-shoot, you approach the moment differently. Plus, it meant I spent less time on my phone, taking photos on the camera instead. And honestly, less time on our phones is always a win.

One of the most unforgettable moments was during two days spent in the Hakuba backcountry, where the snow was the deepest and lightest I’ve ever skied in. For the first time in a long while, I felt completely present. Nothing else mattered. All the stress and anxiety disappeared, and it was just us, the mountain, and the next turn. That’s such a rare experience these days, especially with all the chaos in our everyday lives. To find that feeling, thousands of miles from home, where it felt like there was nowhere else in the world but that moment—it was truly special.”

Do you consider this a life-changing experience? Would you do it again?

“Yeah, for sure. I think we all left that trip thinking, ‘This was unreal.’ It was definitely one of the top three experiences of our lives. And doing it with people I’ve been friends with for so long just made it even more special. The fact that our friendship has lasted through time and distance, and we can still have these adventures years into it—it’s amazing.

Of course, we’ll never be able to replicate that exact experience, and I don’t think we should want to. But every trip like this, every outdoor experience, teaches you something. You take the highs and the lows, learn from them, and carry those lessons forward. We’ve already been talking about going back next year—maybe in a four-wheel-drive RV instead of a two-wheel. I think that’s the key to any adventure: going in with an open mind, no set plans, and learning from each experience to make the next one even better.”


The Californian Symphony of Indian Wells

The precious lens of Alexander Aguiar captures the Indian Wells experience through lyrical, kinetic compositions

If the Grand Slams were five, Indian Wells would undoubtedly be the fifth pillar in the highest echelons of tennis competition. The inaugural edition of this monumental event took place in 1978 in Tucson, Arizona. Over time, the current Master 1000 has moved to one of California’s most fascinating and polarizing locations: the Coachella Valley. Today, this ever-expanding tennis garden, surrounded by the well-known desert flora and equally famous topography of the Golden State, represents an Eldorado of aces and volleys, a must-stop destination for the cosmopolitan tennis jet set.

The distinctive aesthetic quest of Alexander Aguiar reveals the essence of this unique tennis realm, where the fusion of blinding sunlight, earthy red and palm green hues, and ATP-WTA excellence crafts the identity of a magical, scorching, and whirlwind sports sanctuary. It also contextualizes some of its most recent stars, who this year saw Draper and Andreeva triumph in singles, while the pairs Pavic-Arevalo, Schuurs-Muhammad, and Errani-Vavassori dominated in the doubles categories.

Welcome to Indian Wells.


Diving into Snow Polo

Since 1985, the Snow Polo World Cup has been celebrating 40 years in the heart of exclusive St. Moritz

The athletes and their majestic steeds form compositions so iconic, they almost seem surreal. Right in the middle of the Snow Polo World Cup, this captivating event has been held in St. Moritz for four decades. In front of this unique duo, a crowd of 26,000 spectators gathers, bringing color to the edges of the frozen lake—an unconventional contemporary stage for a sport that first emerged in ancient Iran.

A red ball thrown at the center of the field marks the beginning of every match, its splash of color instantly cutting through the snowy lake surface. St. Moritz, the Swiss hotspot synonymous with luxury and excellence, is the perfect postcard for a sport always associated with elegance. The entire event unfolds over three days, with the matches surrounded by moments that feel like a glossy lifestyle magazine come to life. Once this international spectacle is over, you’re left with the memory of a weekend that’s just too short, spent between a whirlwind of social events and the overwhelming beauty of a noble discipline: the perfect fusion of human skill and animal power.

A sport where the hypnotic movement and speed of thoroughbreds, swapping positions between every half, set the rhythm of entire days, almost like the soundtrack of a film. Oysters, live music, and glasses of champagne are surrounded by novices trying to step into the shoes of modern-day sporting knights, swinging mallets while riding wooden horses.

The Snow Polo World Cup is all of this, and more. It’s an immersive tradition, a window into a world of saturated colors, where even the audience, captured in their spontaneity, becomes a central and indispensable part of this unique event—captured for Athleta Magazine through the lens of Gianluca Pezzato.


SUMO IS A SACRED DAILY DANCE

Through Eren Saracevic's lens, the allure of the heya is unveiled — the legendary training grounds of Japan's towering giants

Demons and Deities. Water, salt, sand, and fans. Colossal bodies cutting through the air, revolutionizing the laws of motion. Sumo is not just a sport; it is the very essence of Japanese identity. On the dohyō, ritual sacredness and athletic profanity cease to be opposing forces: they’ve been this way since the distant 6th century, evolving a tradition that has become a cornerstone of culture, society, and the sporting imagination of the entire Land of the Rising Sun. But what happens away from the misty arenas that embrace the feats of these monumental human beings?

“I wanted to capture the daily training of these wrestlers,” says Eren Saracevic, describing his reportage. “Sumo is a cyclical dance between resistance and surrender, where repetition plays a pivotal role. The bodies of these athletes resemble landscapes: curves, folds, scars, and bruises tell stories. I love the texture of the sand clinging to the skin, the dirty bandages wrapping ankles and knees, the sweat running down the back—every detail is part of a visual language of effort and vulnerability. For me, sumo is a collision of two natural forces, but it is also everything that happens in between: the pause, the exhalations, the defeat… Illuminated by beams of light filtering through the windows of a heya (the legendary training centers of the discipline), sumo reveals much more than its already known brute power. The dim light contrasts with shadows surrounding these massive forms, creating an unparalleled environment, and a sacred atmosphere…”

His lens marks the rhythm of daily life within a heya, showcasing the routines and aesthetics of training centers synonymous with brotherhoods: forges of exceptional athletes who lead monastic lives, while simultaneously forming lifelong bonds, nourishing the balance between the sacred and the profane that defines a sporting cosmos like no other.


The Epic of the Australian Open

Chris Caporaso’s visions capture the essence and epic scale of the Australian Slam

‘Vires acquirit eundo,’ Melbourne’s motto, is inspired by one of Virgil’s most famous lines. Fame grows ever greater the more it spreads, wrote the creator of timeless masterpieces like ‘The Aeneid’. And the Australian Open follows those very words. It has done so throughout its history, starting as a provincial event in the world of sports and continuing its rise to a point where the area surrounding the Rod Laver Arena has now become an annual epicenter of global tennis.

From Novak Djokovic’s passionate and eternal feats to Jannik Sinner’s cybernetic elegance and his very human challenges, this edition of the Australian Slam is yet another series of triumphs, failures, and singularly epic moments—much like those immortalized by the greatest poet of Ancient Rome. Through the ever-brilliant lens of Chris Caporaso, we can explore the majestic architecture of Melbourne Park and the simultaneously heroic and contemporary feats of the AO’s protagonists.


Pancho Monti’s Xeneize Eyes

A Journey into the timeless wonder of La Boca

A child’s Bostero dream. That of Pancho Monti, who tells the story of his passion through a lens. You say passion, you say Bostero, you say lens. You say Pancho Monti, and before you is the complete picture: the shots, the images that capture the love for Boca Juniors. Pancho smiles: “I started as an outsider. What I do now has become my story.”

How and when did it all begin?

“If we’re talking about Boca, for me it goes back to my childhood. It’s always been in my blood. A family thing, a bond that runs deep.”

And what about photography?

“In 2014, I started following the Boca fans before the matches. My focus was always on capturing the passion of the people, not just inside the stadium—the iconic Bombonera—but outside, on the streets, where the true spirit of the fans comes to life.” 

Why outside?

“Because that’s where the real party happens. The chants, the songs, the build-up long before the game even starts. People enjoying themselves, drinking ‘Fernando,’ which is Fernet Branca mixed with Coca-Cola. It’s the magic of the previa.”

What happens during those moments?

“The streets become a spectacle of joy, of shared participation. The colors. Of course, yellow and blue are everywhere—the colors of Boca.”

What do you particularly focus on?

“I love to focus on the female side of Boca’s fans. To the women who follow the team.”

Of all the photos you’ve taken, is there one that stands out for you?

“I’d choose the one with Lilita, a 92-year-old fan wearing a Boca jersey and holding a can of beer, while making an obscene gesture.”

How do you experience all of this now?

“The pressure is greater now because people expect something different from my photos, but nothing has changed when it comes to the excitement of following the Bostero fans—it’s still the same passion.”

Close your eyes and make a wish: which photo would you like to take?

“One of Raulita, a legendary Boca fan who is no longer with us. For everyone, she was and remains a symbol.”

What about the Boca players? Who would you have liked to photograph at La Bombonera?

“Diego Armando Maradona, Juan Román Riquelme, Martín Palermo, and Carlos Tévez.”

Among the people you’ve photographed, who stands out for you?

“Edinson Cavani. It was a special day when La Bombonera opened just to receive him.”

What’s the greatest beauty of Boca?

“When the team is losing, the fans’ support becomes even stronger. That’s when you realize how incredible it is to be at La Bombonera.”

This special, meaningful Q&A is both a tribute and an introduction to our editorial feature ‘La Mitad Más Uno,’ published in Athleta Magazine Issue 11. In this edition, Pancho Monti’s visual gallery takes you straight to the heart of La Boca, accompanied by Matteo Fontana’s words.


Skating in Venice

Through the lens of Adam Sherrett, we are transported to one of Los Angeles' most iconic yet authentically raw locations.

Venice is more than just a skate haven. It embodies a daily expression of rebellion, transgression, and style—a pure and unrefined LA, an enclave where subcultures flourish and sociality thrives without the weight of structure. Just a stone’s throw from the tech boom and the multimillionaires who have recently infiltrated this once-defiant coastal community, Venice remains a sanctuary of authenticity in some of its places. 

At the Venice Skatepark, all are welcome—provided they honor the sacred essence of this place, revered as much by local skaters as by the international art world-a marine epicenter on the Westside, where the spirit of the sport meets the vibrancy of global creativity.

Captured through the lens of Adam Sherrett on 35mm film, these photographic compositions capture the contrasts and the awe-inspiring beauty of the moment. His images connect the fluidity of each rider’s movement with the rhythmic crash of Pacific waves in the background—a cyclical dance of saltwater and steel.

It is a testament to endurance, identity, and the cultural pulse of the land. A mesmerizing spectacle that continues to captivate visitors from around the world and fuels the ever-evolving social heartbeat of the area.


A Contemporary Icelandic Fairy Tale

István Fekete’s lens guides us through the unique beauty and deeper meanings of The Beautiful Game in the land of ice

A land of myths and legends, of moonlit landscapes increasingly filled with curious eyes. Football in Iceland is imbued with a sublime exoticism, much like the Nordic progress of a society that, despite its archaic distance from Europe, has proven itself far more progressive than many traditional powers. On this island, populated by volcanoes, desert plateaus, and subzero temperatures, The Beautiful Game becomes not merely a pastime, but a playful-anthropological, even economic-artistic reflection of the local soul.

From the beating heart of Reykjavík to the centers of Hveragerði and Selfoss, across the remote Snæfellsnes Peninsula, nestled along the western shores of the rugged Borgarfjörður, to Vestmannaeyjar— a small municipality on the Vestmann Islands, buried in 1973 by lava and ash from the eruption of the ancient Eldfell firemouth, and now home to one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world, according to a recent BBC ranking… István Fekete’s lens has traveled far and wide through the seemingly irrational, yet logical wonders of a country that has embraced football not as a colonial afterthought, but as a new form of exploration and evolution—both aesthetic and social.

This gallery, born of the Hungarian photographer’s ground-hopping journey through public transport and icy walks, reveals the many facets of a contemporary passion: a passion that, like a geyser, has erupted onto the global stage over the past two decades. From youthful dreams to the now well-established example of the national team, Fekete immerses us in the perspectives of this football microcosm, revealing its lyrical and communal value. Enjoy the journey.


Discovering Levante: The Essence of Trail Running

Our photo gallery, complemented by the words of the participants, captures this unique trail experience

Benedictine monasteries and secluded coves. Views of the Ligurian Sea and ancient vegetation. ‘Discovering Levante’ was a sensory journey, a three-dimensional photo gallery inspired by the fusion of the practical – and exploratory – nature of trail running and the natural backdrop of a stretch of Italy that is as rugged as it is enchanting. Exploring this Riviera was both a social and athletic experience, a pilgrimage conceived by the passionate minds at Runaway, designed to celebrate the synergy between Artcrafts International and Norda Run.

Through our lenses, we captured a challenging expedition into wonder, populated by runners who were fully aware not only of the physical effort involved but also of the trail’s deeper essence – especially in places that have inspired the pen and thoughts of Eugenio Montale. We gathered some of their words, diving into the symbiotic relationship between nature and running.

Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, Portofino… What feelings did you experience by immersing yourself in this journey?

Max Della Porta: “This trail on Mount Portofino was a true spectacle, a stunning display of nature. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Italy for trail running. We passed breathtaking views overlooking the sea, with some technical sections along the way… It was an amazing up-and-down run.”

Aurora Motti: “I had real, tangible sensations. I felt great being in nature, which really captivated me. San Fruttuoso, and especially this time of year, inspired me visually: I’m talking about the clear shift between summer and autumn, the incredible colors that, experienced during such a communal and intense moment, felt even more magical.”

Alessio Conti: “I experienced some beautiful feelings. I had never done this route before, and having the sea on one side and the mountains on the other is a rare sight, characteristic of Liguria. Coming out in San Fruttuoso was a unique experience… an exciting moment. I was used to reaching it by ferry, which is a bit more comfortable! Today, it was more tiring, but definitely much more meaningful.”

Beatrice Bianco: “I found peace in nature, especially because I hadn’t done trail running for a few weeks. I had been to Liguria before, but never had the chance to explore its mountainous areas. We passed through incredible views… Nature here gave me so much: I think, for example, of the sound of the sea we heard when we stopped at the beach. It brought an incredible sense of peace, just like the sound of footsteps along the trails.”

Ingrid Thoresen: “The nature here is fantastic. I live in Milan, but I’m Norwegian, so I’m not used to seeing this kind of landscape at this time of year. The route was breathtaking, almost unreal because everything was so calm… In November, back home, we don’t have these vibrant color contrasts, and then it starts snowing and gets really cold, so I felt lucky to be here.”

Edoardo Rossano: “Running while constantly seeing the sea is something magical. I look for this kind of experience when I do my trail runs or choose specific races: the natural scenery is one of those details that really makes a difference. Having these forested paths, with the rocky terrain and views of the Ligurian Sea, was definitely inspiring.”

Valeria Rocchetti: “I never would have thought about running in November in weather like this. This area is the perfect blend of sea and mountains, and it gave me a sense of freedom that’s hard to find anywhere else. There was so much silence; we were all fully immersed in the moment, in the present. I live far from the sea, surrounded by the ups and downs of city life, and combining the sea and forest here transported me to a completely different, incomparable place.”

Aurora Motti
Alessio Conti

In this region, nature can be as rugged as it is sublime. What kind of relationship has developed between running and nature in your life? How do they influence each other, and how have you experienced this union here?

Max Della Porta: “I’m a surgeon, and running is my way to unwind. After a night of making life-or-death decisions, you’re left with a lot of heavy, negative emotions. Over the years, I realized I needed an escape—finding places in nature that, combined with physical exertion, could bring me positivity. Today, this combination allows me to be a more balanced surgeon, prepared not just mentally but physically as well. After all, surgery isn’t only a mental job.”

Aurora Motti: “I’ve always felt a strong connection to nature. The mountains are my element, but the sea is also a part of my life and journey, both personally and athletically. With that in mind, I can say I experienced ‘Discovering Levante’ deeply, but also with moments of pause that made exploring this area even more enjoyable. We knew it wouldn’t be a race, but rather a time of sharing, where we could appreciate our surroundings…”

Alessio Conti: “I’m used to running on the roads, along the Navigli. The view I get at 6 a.m., with the fog, is pretty complex to take in… Trail running, for me, is a way to break out of that routine, the monotony of daily life in Milan. It gives me different stimuli. The color of Milan is one thing: gray, in all its shades. Here, on the other hand, we had the blue of the sea on one side and the green of the mountains and the olive trees we passed through on the other. I was breathing different air, and it was a completely different run.”

Beatrice Bianco: “I discovered trail running two years ago, and as soon as I get the chance, I take weekends outside the city. I spent at least 10 years running on roads, but thanks to Runaway and due to an injury, I turned to this new running scene. I take it slower now, check the clock when I want to, enjoy the scenery, and go on mental journeys. Nature relaxes me, and it pairs perfectly with running. Their combination allows me to constantly seek out and explore new places.”

Ingrid Thoresen: “For me, running and nature go hand in hand. I grew up in a small town, actually in a village in the Norwegian mountains. Nature has been a part of me since childhood, and I’ve always felt the call of the peaks. The connection between nature and running simply brings me peace of mind. It’s like therapy, helping me take a break from the demanding work schedule.”

Edoardo Rossano: “In my life, the connection between running and nature is inseparable—there’s really no running without nature for me. I’m not the type to run on asphalt or roads; I always prefer running on trails, because I love nature and I love immersing myself in it.”

Valeria Rocchetti: “Nature is something I always seek out. It can give you so much, and at the same time, challenge you in complex ways. You can appreciate and experience it in many different ways: for me, this connection is tied to my personal contact with each place, a bond that becomes even stronger in the places where I grew up. On the other hand, the power of running definitely comes from the people—the sense of community this sport creates. Their combination is perfect.”

Beatrice Bianco
Edoardo Rossano

‘Discovering Levante’ is a reflection of the constant process of discovery associated with running. What has allowed you to discover this discipline over time? And what did you discover through this event?

Max Della Porta: “I knew the area well, and I have to thank Luca Podetti from Runaway for asking me to map out this route, and for working together to decide which places to include. I’m discovering how much I enjoy taking on a role as a planner, organizer, or collaborator on occasions like this. Getting others to discover a place like the Riviera di Levante and bringing them here to run is something truly meaningful—and it’s something no one can do alone.”

Aurora Motti: “Running has helped me discover myself, my limits, and, most importantly, how perseverance can help me overcome those limits. Running has evolved my mind. Every run is like therapy. In this event, I discovered that companionship is just as important as the running itself. Having company can make the sensations you experience feel even more unique.”

Alessio Conti: “Trail running teaches me that every experience is different. As I said, I come from a metropolitan environment where I wake up, go for a run, and everything is flat. But when I go out on these trail runs, I realize there’s so much more to discover. I’m originally from Recco, from this area, but I had never done this trail before. It was a moment of discovery, of exploring a place I should have known about… This made the experience even more interesting. I’m sure I’ll return to these trails.”

Beatrice Bianco: “Running has taught me not to give up. For example, today I had stomach pain and my mind was telling me to stop after just a few kilometers. I kept telling myself I was tired, that I hadn’t slept much, and that I didn’t have to keep going—but running always brings out something extra in me.”

Ingrid Thoresen: “Running gives me the motivation to keep going, especially when I participate in events like this. I’ve had my fair share of on-and-off moments, but now my goal is to create more consistency in my relationship with this sport. I recently signed up for a trail race in the Dolomites that will take place in 2025, so now I’m working towards that goal, and I’m definitely excited about the idea of competing.”

Edoardo Rossano: “Trail running and long-distance running have helped me rediscover a sport that embraces the rules of suffering and effort, while learning to accept everything that comes with it—both in races and in life. ‘Discovering Levante’ took me on trails I had never done before. I had been to San Fruttoso before, but I had come from the other side, from Camogli… Today we took a much more stylish route.”

Valeria Rocchetti: “Through running, connections are made. On days like this, I realize that I’m surrounded by people who share the same values as I do. These are not just sports events, but social experiences. It often stops being about competition, numbers, minutes, and seconds, and becomes about community—about staying behind, waiting, and cheering others on. This is what every sport should provide.”

Ingrid Thoresen
Max Della Porta

The claim of Norda Run is particularly evocative: “A RUN CAN LAST FOREVER.” What meaning does this phrase take on in your case?

Max Della Porta: “Norda’s slogan is pure poetry because we runners all know that a run can stay with you and last forever. All you need is a good pair of shoes. You can be at an international conference, on a family vacation, or doing whatever, but you can always disconnect your mind and relax. When I run early in the morning, I show up at the hospital in a completely different mood. The same thing happens when I come home stressed after a workday… If I go for a run, even for just half an hour, I have a totally different approach to my family dynamics. Running is a lifelong companion—it’s almost like a spouse.”

Aurora Motti: “This was my first trail running event with both Runaway and Norda Run, and it’s something that will stay with me forever. Plus, we were in such an amazing place—it will be an unforgettable memory.”

Alessio Conti: “This was a first time for me. I had never tackled a trail that is just 10 minutes from my home… I discovered something that I otherwise would never have had the chance to experience firsthand. So, I’ll always remember this first experience with Norda Run and the Runaway team.”

Beatrice Bianco: “It’s absolutely true because races and experiences like ‘Discovering Levante’ become part of you. There’s always something special to take away, something that touches your heart. After all, even a regular run in the city can be memorable, although that’s something I do less often now.”

Ingrid Thoresen: “I associate this phrase with the state of flow I experience through running—the moment when your legs just move on their own, without any instructions from your mind. In those moments, you feel like you’re floating… and it’s the best feeling in the world.”

Edoardo Rossano: “I approach running in this way, seeking consistency over long distances and a type of effort that stays with you over time… It’s a continuous blend of hard work and dedication aimed at building both your physical fitness and mental strength.”

Valeria Rocchetti: “For me, running is freedom. It’s entering a space where I can allow myself not to think. Running can be solo or in a group, in nature or in the city, competitive or not, but in any case, it’s a part of a much larger and more complex picture. It’s a picture that makes me feel free for half a day, an hour, even just 35 minutes. It’s something priceless.”

Valeria Rocchetti